Employment Opportunities

Job Title:	Veterinary Technician Assistant	Date: April 9, 2026
Work Hours: Full-time Schedule Subject to Change: Willingness to work weekends and holidays.		Wage: $17-18 Hourly/Non-Exempt
The overall strength of this job is:  Medium-Heavy (Medium – Heavy Duty is considered 50 lbs. or more)

To apply, email cover letter and resume to Christine at cstipich@lchsmontana.org

Brief Job Summary:

Assists in ensuring all animals in the shelter’s care are kept comfortable and treated with compassion and respect. This role partners closely with internal teams to support daily animal care and medical operations while serving as a key liaison between the medical team, partner organizations, and the public. Reporting to the Director of Animal Welfare and Veterinarian, the position coordinates spay and neuter scheduling for shelter animals, partner organizations, and sliding scale clients, while supporting surgical, diagnostic, and treatment procedures.

Essential Job Functions:

Customer Service

1. Communicates with customers, clients, adopters, fosters, and donors in person and by telephone. Greets and assists all with respect and dignity.
2. Provides exceptional internal and external customer service.
3. Educates adopters and foster caregivers on medication administration and animal medical needs.
4. Triages and responds to questions regarding animals’ medical history and records.

Medical & Surgical Support

1. Assist Veterinarian with physical examinations, diagnostics, and treatment plans.
2. Prepare animals for surgery, including pre-anesthetic injections, surgical prep, and anesthesia setup.
3. Monitor anesthesia and vital signs during surgical procedures.
4. Provide post-operative care and pain management under veterinary direction.
5. Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as prescribed.
6. Assist with animal treatments, medications, and special care.
7. Maintain and sterilize surgical instruments and medical equipment.

Animal Health & Welfare

1. Assist with intake of surrendered animals, including vaccinations, microchipping, and health checks.
2. Ensure adequate food, water, sanitation, and daily care for animals.
3. Observe and report signs of illness, injury, behavioral concerns, or abnormalities.
4. Implement and monitor treatment protocols and disease control procedures.
5. Support shelter biosecurity standards.
6. Assist as a member of the euthanasia team and determine when euthanasia is appropriate.
7. Assist with cremations according to policy and report equipment issues.

Diagnostics & Laboratory

1. Collect and prepare laboratory samples (blood, fecal, urine, skin scrapings).
2. Perform in-house diagnostic testing as directed.

Scheduling & Coordination

1. Coordinate all spay and neuter scheduling for shelter animals.
2. Schedule and communicate with partner organizations, including HAFOP and other shelters/rescues.
3. Create, implement, schedule, and communicate with sliding scale program clients.
4. Provide updates to Clinic HQ, Shelter Manager, and Operations regarding surgical schedules and outcomes.
5. Assist with transporting animals to veterinary clinics for scheduled procedures.

Recordkeeping & Compliance

1. Maintain accurate and up-to-date medical and shelter records.
2. Assist with processing animal returns to owners in compliance with jurisdictional requirements.
3. Handle administrative duties including answering phones and processing transactions as needed.
4. Comply with all policies and procedures outlined in the Procedure and Employee Manual.

Team Collaboration & Facility Support

1. Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and community service workers.
2. Provide guidance and oversight to volunteers.
3. Maintain cleanliness and organization of all assigned areas.
4. Respond promptly to directives from the Veterinarian and Director of Animal Welfare.

Qualification Requirements:

Education/Experience

1. High School diploma or equivalent.
2. Minimum one year experience working with animals.
3. Preferably one year of experience in a veterinary office.
4. Willingness to obtain Euthanasia Technician Certification.

Hours of Work

1. May work independently or as part of a team.
2. Regular interaction with internal and external stakeholders.
3. May require travel within the Helena area.
4. Work performed both indoors (controlled environment) and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
5. Schedule based on operational needs and animal care requirements.

Mental/Physical Requirements

1. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
2. Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, and working on hands and knees.
3. Ability to work in environments with high noise levels.
4. Patience and ability to handle difficult or aggressive animals.
5. Ability to work effectively with challenging individuals.

ANIMAL CARE SPECIALIST

Lewis & Clark Humane Society

Job Title: Animal Care Specialist
Classification: Full Time
Reporting Relationship: Supervised by Director of Operations

Apply Here: Employment Application If you are having trouble with the form please reach out to kmartineau@lchsmontana.org

Position Overview

The Animal Care Specialist (Level 1) is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and compassionate environment for all animals in the shelter. This entry-level position focuses on essential animal care tasks, including cleaning, feeding, and basic handling after training.

Primary Responsibilities

Cleaning & Sanitization

• Clean and sanitize kennels, cages, and public areas to maintain high hygiene standards.
• Perform deep cleaning on a scheduled basis, including disinfecting surfaces and equipment.
• Assist with daily shelter upkeep, including laundry, donation sorting, and waste cleanup.

Facility Maintenance

• Restock supplies such as cleaning products, food, and bedding.
• Report equipment malfunctions or facility maintenance needs to management.

Animal Care & Enrichment

• Provide food and fresh water, ensuring dietary needs are met.
• Monitor and report any changes in animal behavior, appetite, or health.       
• Walk dogs on a leash in designated areas (after completing training) and assist with playgroup transitions.
• Safely handle cats for cleaning and enrichment.
• Assist potential adopters in meeting cats and dogs, ensuring a safe and engaging experience.
• Provide enrichment for both cats and dogs under the guidance of senior staff, including the Level 3 Animal Care Team, Behavior Manager, and Supervisor.

Customer Service & Volunteer Support

• Assist visitors by answering questions about adoptions, animal care, and shelter policies, directing inquiries to the appropriate staff as needed.
• Provide guidance to volunteers assisting with cleaning and care activities.
• Contribute to social media content by capturing photos and sharing animal stories with the Development Team.

Other Duties

• Properly process and prepare ashes for pickup.

• Other duties may be assigned.

Benefits:

• Accrued vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Room for growth – Level 2 & 3 advancement with chances to learn and practice:
  • Behavior, including play groups, behavior modification, general training and more!
  • Medical, including vaccinations, microchipping, assisting in surgery and more!
  • Adoptions, including counseling, matchmaking, and more!
• Knowing you are making a difference in the lives of homeless animals everyday!

Education/Experience Required: Minimum education high school or student. Animal experience especially dogs and cats preferred.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Ability to lift 50 lbs., bending, stooping, squatting, and occasionally hands and knees for cleaning, ability to work under extreme noise levels and patient with difficult or aggressive animals.

Hours of Work: 34 hours Mornings, some weekends, and some holidays required.

Monday 8AM-12PM Tuesday-Friday 8AM-4PM

Compensation: $13.00 per hour with potential for increase in responsibilities and compensation with good performance. 

Continuing Education Requirements: In-house staff training as needed.